Xanax

Alprazolam also know as Xanax is a pill that is prescribed for people who struggle with anxiety or panic attacks. Xanax is classed under the Benzodiazepines, other drugs in this class include Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Chlordiazepoxide, Estazolam, Lorazepam, Clobazam and Diazepam. The Federal Drug Administration approved Xanax in October of 1981, and now Xanax is the most prescribed psychiatric drug in the United States of America.

Anxiety

Xanax treats anxiety, anxiety is a mental health disorder. Anxiety is the feeling of being worried or a strong fear that interferes with your daily life. Over 3 million people are diagnosed with anxiety each year in the United States of America. To treat anxiety, Xanax releases Gamma amino butyric acids which act as neurotransmitters in the body. Gamma amino butyric acids helps prevent nervous activity throughout the body.

Side Effects

With any drug comes side effects good and bad. Just a few side effect to taking Xanax are drowsiness, low energy, headaches, insomnia, rash, chest pain, and slurring speech. These are not all of the side effects but are some of the most common side effects that comes along with taking Xanax. While taking Xanax or any Benzodiazepine the consumer should never drink alcohol because they do not mix well and it increases your chances of overdosing on Xanax. This is because both alcohol and Benzodiazepines are broken down by enzymes in your liver and it takes longer for you body to detoxify after taking a Benzodiazepine of any kind and consuming alcohol at the same time.

Addiction

Xanax is very addicting so there are many with drawl symptoms. Some of the withdrawals after stopping Xanax are insomnia, headaches, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, confusion, and depression are just some of my withdrawal symptoms someone can get from quitting Xanax. Doctors recommend that the person taking Xanax be tapered or weened off of Xanax for a possible decrease in withdrawal symptoms. With can Xanax being an addictive pill it is very easy to be hooked to Xanax. Therefore it can be easy to abuse Xanax for its relaxed “high” effect. If you or anyone else you know is abusing Xanax call 1–888–633–3239. “According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2011, there were over 1.2 million emergency department (ER) visits overall related to the non-medical use of prescription drugs — Xanax was involved in 10 percent of those visits.”

Short Term Effects

For someone that takes Xanax as prescribed Xanax is not necessarily harmful. Someone who is taking Xanax might just experience side effects. There still are some short term effects like reduction in reflex, lightheadedness, reduction in impulse control, a rapid development in tolerance, and sedation. The rapid development of tolerance and make people want to take more bars of Xanax which can lead to abuse. “These effects are typically short-lived. If the individual only uses Xanax for a short period of time, it will not result in any significant issues in most cases. All drugs are associated with potential side effects that can occur in some individuals.”

Long Term Issues

Issues with attention and concentration

Problem solving

Judgment

Increased stress

Craving for Xanax

Physical dependences for Xanax

Behavior issues

Organ problems such as liver and kidney issues

Respiratory problems

Vulnerable to other illnesses

Cardiac problems for example blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke

Mixing Xanax

Mixing Xanax is very common with someone abusing Xanax. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are most common secondary drugs of abuse. “When used in conjunction with other drugs that are central nervous system depressants (e.g., other benzodiazepines, alcohol, and narcotic pain medications), there is an enhancement of the effects of Xanax, whereas when used in conjunction with drugs that have opposite mechanisms of action, such as cocaine or other stimulants, these effects are diminished or enhanced. When Xanax is used in conjunction with other drugs, there can also be interactions that can produce atypical effects that are not normally associated with either drug.” Mixing Xanax is very bad the chances of overdosing go up significantly.

Xanax Abuse in the Elderly

There has been an increase in Xanax prescriptions to the elderly. This can lead to many problems for elderly people.

“Cognitive issues, such as problems with attention and the ability to form new memories.”

“Increased sedation and lethargy that can result in problems with coordination, decreased reflex actions, and accidents.”

“Cardiac and respiratory issues.”

“Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.”

“Atypical neurological effects, such as tremors, headache, vertigo, and double vision.”

“Psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression.”

Old people are already on many medications and so they will build up an immensely strong toleration to Xanax.

Citations

“What Are the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Xanax.” Recovery First Treatment Center, www.recoveryfirst.org/prescription-abuse/xanax/effects/.

Nichols, Hannah. “Xanax: Warnings, Uses, and Side Effects.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 7 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263490.php.

“How Xanax Works In The Brain.” The Recovery Village, 20 Feb. 2019, www.therecoveryvillage.com/xanax-addiction/xanax-works-brain/#gref.

Felman, Adam. “Anxiety: Overview, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454.php.

“Mixing Xanax with Alcohol.” Addiction Blog, prescription-drug.addictionblog.org/mixing-xanax-with-alcohol/.

“Call The 24/7 Drug Hotline & Addiction Hotline.” National Drug Helpline, drughelpline.org/.